HC Deb 19 April 1951 vol 486 c1998
36. Mr. Michael Astor

asked the Minister of Health what improvements in the facilities for maternity cases can be expected this summer in the Surrey area covered by the Redhill Group Hospital Management Committee.

Mr. Marquand

There is already adequate provision, both hospital and domiciliary, in this area and no immediate increase is necessary.

Mr. Astor

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very real hardship, due to lack of midwives, beds and trained personnel for maternity cases in this area, and that my constituents feel that there is a lack of sense of urgency on the part of those responsible for these matters at a higher level? Will he please look into the matter again and accept the facts from me?

Mr. Marquand

My advice is that of births in 1950 in this area 63 per cent. took place in hospital, 10 per cent. in nursing homes and only 27 per cent. were domiciliary, which is regarded as a rather high proportion of births in establishments of that kind.

Mr. Snow

Is it not a fact that Tory-led local authorities have been agitating against increased maternity facilities?